CONTACT US Call toll-free: 800-228-0429 Cara Recine, Lifestyles and special projects editor cara.recine@thesouthern.com / ext. 5075 Adam Testa, Lifestyles writer adam.testa@thesouthern.com / ext. 5031 Brenda Kirkpatrick, lists, live music flipside@thesouthern.com / ext. 5089 Rhonda Ethridge, cover designer rhonda.ethridge@thesouthern.com / ext. 5118 The Southern Illinoisan (USPS 258-908) is published daily at a yearly subscription rate of $178. It is published at 710 N. Illinois Ave., Carbondale, IL 62901. It is owned by Lee Enterprises of Davenport, Iowa.
FREE WINE TASTING MONDAY-FRIDAY HUSBAN D NO EXCU S... SE WE HAVE , BEER! JOIN US FOR “SUNSET FRIDAYS” - THE SUN NEVER SETS BEFORE 7PM
“saturday music event” 11/19 “SUNDAY IN THE PARK” 11/20 FrEE MUSIC 2-5:30
ANDREA STADER (Folk/Rock)
DAN BARRON
Getting in touch with my Italian roots were bright red flowers hanging on the canopy over one bed. There was classiclooking dark wood furniture and all of the Lacie Goff accent colors were red with old books and tapestry pillows. The owners were n buongiorno a tutti di Italian and around our age, voi! This weekend was and they were so kind. different than any Our day in Verona was so other yet. We went fantastic. We walked traveling in the north of the toward the city center. We country — one day in saw a Christmas tree being Verona, one in Milan and, put up in a town circle. while my friends went to Then, on Sunday, while Torino, I visited our my friends went to Torino, family’s hometown of I went to Cuggiono. A Cuggiono. contact we had there came Italy has a stellar train and picked me up at the system and we took train station, and I was advantage of it. We left welcomed with open arms. Rome on Thursday night First, we went to and rode a six-hour Cuggiono’s History overnight train to Verona. Migration Center, home to When we got there in the the association of which morning, we checked into my new friend is a board our bed and breakfast, member. It’s a meeting which was like something place, museum and out of a storybook. memorial of all those who Our bedroom could not immigrated to the U.S., have been any cuter. The particularly to Herrin and walls were pink with decals St. Louis. of birdcages, and there After, he took me on a
ROME ADVENTURES
U
tour of Cuggiono and I saw the adorable town. Then he brought me to their house for a home-cooked lunch with him, his wife, their son and the son’s girlfriend. Speaking in Italian, getting to know my new Italian friends was just too phenomenal for words. The son and his girlfriend even invited me to come with them and their friends to the Festival of San Martino in the afternoon, which was so much fun. Afterward, I got to meet a member of my family. I met one of my distant cousins in the Cairati family and she was beyond kind to me. She showed me my greatgreat-grandmother’s old house, her church and the surrounding town, proudly introducing me to everyone we met as “la mia cuginetta.” She even took me back to her house to meet her husband, and we ate her homemade apple cake. It truly was like we were long
lost friends finally reunited, and it gave me a true notion of what family is, reminding me of my mom back home. Everyone in Cuggiono was so incredibly hospitable to me. I can never thank them enough. I can’t wait to go back and visit again and keep in touch with my cousin. There’s something about seeing where your roots come from and meeting family in the homeland; it’s an experience unlike any other. It helps you know yourself better and it makes the idea of family all the more special. LACIE GOFF is the daughter of Janice Gualdoni and the granddaughter of Louie and Beauella Gualdoni, all of Herrin. Lacie is a junior at California Lutheran University in Los Angeles, majoring in communication and journalism. She is spending this semester in Rome, studying Italian, history and art history.
P.A.S.T of Union County Presents:
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Upcoming Events
Holiday Open House
11/25 & 11/26 • Music • Local Artisans • Fine Wines • Gift Baskets • Refreshments
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Our Misterioso T-Shirts & Glasses, Amish Jellies and Salsa’s Make Great Holiday Gifts! Check out our wide variety of Wisconsin Cheeses, Sausages, Homemade Sandwiches, Pizza, Soups, Breads w/Gourmet Olive Oil & Desserts. 3150 S. Rocky Comfort Rd. Makanda • 618-995-WINE www.blueskyvineyard.com Mon.-Thur. 10:00-6:30 • Fri. 10:00-7:00 • Sat. 10:00-7:30 • Sun. 12-7:00
Page 2 Thursday, November 17, 2011 FLIPSIDE
Saturday, November 19th • 10-4 $15 for 4 homes or $5 each (tickets sold at each home, no advance sales)
Short’s Historic “Keyhole House” - 506 S. Main St, Anna “PAST Place House” With exhibits - 313 South St, Anna McMahon’s Shannon Lake Home on 146 near I-57 Pingle-Painter Estate off 51N of Anna Trail of Tears Display at the Campground Church (free) Wine tasting and discounts at several local wineries with ticket. Call 618-697-1870 or see www.pastonline.org
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THINGS TO DO
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David Ranalli conjures up one last show
STEVE JAHNKE / THE SOUTHERN
The Mad Hatter, played by James Roberts, asks Alice, played by Claire Speers, a question while having tea during a fulldress rehearsal Wednesday of John A. Logan College’s Alice in Wonderland. The show opens tonight.
Travel down the rabbit hole BY ADAM TESTA
lively production.” The show stars Claire THE SOUTHERN Speers, a theater major at SIU Carbondale, as a 16CARTERVILLE — Fans are invited to travel to the year-old Alice. Logan alumnus and established mystical world of Wonderland this weekend, actor James Roberts plays the Mad Hatter, while as John A. Logan College regional veteran actress presents Lewis Carroll’s Rita Pierce portrays the classic tale. Queen of Hearts. Retired The story of “Alice in Logan English professor Wonderland” is pretty Harry Mosley leads Alice traditional, said director Steve Falcone, but the set on her journey as the White Rabbit. and costumes will be While not a musical, the elaborate for a production this size. When the titular show does feature a number of singing character meets the caterpillar, for example, he performances, adding another layer of emotion will be seated upon a to the story. While “Alice 10-foot-tall mushroom, in Wonderland” is often quite large for the Logan thought of as a children’s stage. story, Falcone believes it Creating such a vibrant should have a much wider atmosphere and really bringing the setting to life reach. “It’s very much a show has been a challenge, but for all ages,” he said. Falcone said technical The show runs at 7 p.m. director Brandyn McGhee tonight through Saturday, and costume designer Nov. 17-19, at O’Neil JoAnn Mowels Ridenour did a fantastic job of doing Auditorium. Tickets are $2 or free for John A. so. Logan College students. “We’ve been pounding away building adam.testa@thesouthern.com Wonderland,” he said. “It’s going to be a bright, 618-351-5031
CARBONDALE — Local magician David Ranalli will be hosting a special event next weekend as his swansong performance in Southern Illinois. Ranalli, an SIU Carbondale student, presents “An Evening of Close-Up Miracles” at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, at Holiday Inn in Carbondale. Attendees will have a firsthand look as Ranalli will read minds, make things appear and disappear and cause the audience to question their own perceptions of reality. Only 50 tickets are available for this event, which will be Ranalli’s final big show before moving from the area in
December. They are priced at $15 each, or $10 if buying four or more. Cocktail attire is requested. While the show does not contain any harsh language, it is geared toward those ages 16 and up. Tickets are available at www.brown papertickets.com/event/ 210815. For more information, call 847-732-3430 or visit www.davidranalli.com. Ranalli is studying public relations at SIUC, where he has earned a scholarship from the Society of American Magicians. He also performs weekly shows at The Blue Martin in Carbondale. — Adam Testa
Unique dinner at Cave House highlights SIC Fantasy Auction HARRISBURG — One of the most unique dining opportunities in the region will be a featured attraction at this year’s Southeastern Illinois College Foundation Fantasy Auction at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19. The event at the Foundation Center in Harrisburg will help raise money for the College and student scholarships. Dinner for eight at the famous Cave House will be part of the evening’s live auction. The dinner, which includes a tour of the buildings and grounds, has been donated by SIC President Jonah Rice and his wife Megin and will be privately catered by the Red Onion in Equality. The Cave House, seated www.flipsideonline.com
atop a scenic bluff overlooking the Ohio River near Cave-in-Rock, is a unique architectural accomplishment, occupying a multipurpose studio and residence building of some 3,500 square feet. Its multiple facilities were constructed using a brilliant array of stone and wood indigenous to southern Illinois: Sandstone, limestone, fluorspar, and cedar. The Cave House is used for sabbaticals as a place for reflection, thought, creativity, and selfrealization. “This is truly a fantasy for anyone and is certainly a one-of-akind dining experience,” Jonah Rice said. — Adam Testa
www.flipsideonline.com
FLIPSIDE Thursday, November 17, 2011 Page 3
MOVIES
Author to talk about gangster history HERRIN — Author Taylor Pensoneau will speak about some of Southern Illinois’ most notorious gangsters at the Herrin City Library this Saturday, The author, who penned “Brothers Notorious: The Sheltons, Southern Illinois’ Legendary Gangsters” and “Dapper & Deadly: The True Story of Black Charlie Harris, is appearing at the request of the Herrin Area Historical Society, and a portion of that day’s book sales will be donated to the society. Pensoneau’s appearance, his first in Herrin, will be at 2 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Pensoneau worked 16 years as the Illinois political correspondent for the St. Louis PostDispatch. — Adam Testa
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Authors, Books A Love Story, Shuugh, God and Lulu: Novel on domestic abuse by Lois Fowler Barrett; book signing, Starview Vinyard, near Cobden, Thursday, Nov. 17; www.brick hillpublishing.com.
Comedy The Carbondale Comedians: Stand-up comedy, 9-11 p.m. Wednesday, Station No. 13, 2400 W. Main St., Carbondale; attached to the old Royal Plaza Inn; 618529-2424.
Events Pope County Deer Festival: Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 17-19, downtown Golconda; festival starts 6:30 p.m. Thursday with the Little Mr. and Miss Contest and Jr. Little Mr. and Miss Contest; parade, 2 p.m. Saturday; crafts, refreshments; 618-683-6286. Public reading: By students in the Rend Lake College Creative Writing Club, noon Friday, Nov. 18, Learning Resource Center, college, Ina;
THINGS TO DO
618-437-5321, ext. 1725 or davisp@rlc.edu. A Souled Out Show: 6 p.m.midnight Saturday, Nov. 19, Elks Club, 220 W. Jackson St., Carbondale; soul food buffet, silent auction; entertainment by Big Larry, Richard “Rip Lee” Pryor and James Barnes & Friends; a tribute to Elbert Earl Simon Sr.; proceeds to I Can Read! of Southern Illinois; $35; 618-549-0969; 618-457-4995; marilyntipton@ hotmail.com. Glee!: Dancing with Artstarts, 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, Marion Civic Center; vote with dollars for favorite dancing couples, each representing a charity; entertainment by Southern Illinois youth and dignitaries; $25; 618-922-1853; 618-9974030 or www.marionccc.org. Magician David Ranalli: An Evening of Close-Up Miracles, 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, Holiday Inn, Carbondale; Ranalli will read minds, make things appear and disappear; $15 each; $10, four or more tickets; cocktail attire requested; 16 and up; 847-7323430 or www.davidranalli.com.
Drink Specials: $100 Draft Beer 10 oz. Mon-Thurs. Come E nj oy T he Patio $150 Domestic Bottles Mon & Tues. Weekend Special 99 $2 Margarita 99 Friday - Saturday - Sunday
$5 Beer Pitchers $1000 Margarita Pitchers $599 Coronita Buckets Sat. Only
12 oz. Mon & Thurs.
OFF 4 $ DAILY Monday - Thursday SPECIALS Lunch $5 • Dinner $7 BIG G E M a rgar ST 213 N. Main St. 203 N. Williams St. 1400 S. 16th St. 1330 W. McCord ita In
Sikeston, MO Murphysboro, Il Herrin, IL Centralia, IL (573) 481-2111 (618) 684-6254 (618) 942-8085 (618) 533-5801 Sun-Thurs. 11am-10-pm • Fri-Sat. 11am-11pm
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Souther
44 Oz.
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n Illinois s !
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FESTIVALS
DuBois Building, 117 S. Appleknocker Drive, next to the Union County Museum, Cobden; bazaar continues Nov. 25, 26, Dec. 3, 10; hours, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; collectible holiday related items and gifts for sale including pre-lit trees, ornaments, Dept. 56 village items, greenery, china and glassware; 618-893-2567; 618-893-2865. Shrine Christmas Bazaar: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, Shrine Club, Illinois 37, Marion; crafts, bake sale, candles, glassware; proceeds to the Williamson County Shrine Club. PAST Holiday Home Tour: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19: structures on the tour Films include Camp Ground Church Film Fridays at the Varsity: and the Key Hole house on The Woodmans, 4:30 p.m. South Main Street in Anna; Nov. 18, Varsity Center for the $15 for all of the houses or Arts, 418 S. Illinois Ave., $5 per house; tickets can be Carbondale; free; 618-303purchased at each site 5154 or mkartje@siu.edu including the PAST House at The Help: 7 p.m. Thursday- 313 South St., Anna, where an Saturday Nov. 17-19, and exhibit of historic Union 10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, County photos will be on display; 618-833-8745 or Nov.18-19, Student Center Auditorium, SIU; exploration of 618-697-1870. Hometown Christmas attitudes, friendships and Festival of Trees: Begins changing times; $2/$3; Tuesday, Nov. 22, General John 618-536-3393, www.spc4fun A. Logan Museum, 1613 Edith .com. St., Murphysboro; decorated greenery on display Nov. 22; Holiday Events viewing and bidding until Dec. Christmas Bazaar: Opens 11; proceeds to charity; 8 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, mileurorchard@onecliq.com.
Larry The Cable Guy: 4 p.m., 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20, Carson Center, 100 Kentucky Ave., Paducah; $35/$125; 270-450-4444 or www.the carsoncenter.org. Friends of Sallie Logan Public Library Silent Auction: Now through 6 p.m. Dec. 5, library, 1808 Walnut St., Murphysboro; final bidding and refreshments, 5 p.m. Monday, Dec 5; gift baskets; gift certificates; dolls; dishes; quilted wall hanging, a handcrafted Cherokee Bluebird necklace set; a handcrafted woven basket and handcrafted kitchen stools; 618-684-3271.
Live Entertainment Saturday, November 19, 2:00pm-6:00pm
Alex Kurt
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(618) 893-WINE
THEATER 33rd Annual Holiday Craft Sale: Thursday-Saturday, Dec. 1-3, SIU Student Center, Carbondale; features crafts from 90 regional artisans; www.siucstudentcenter.org. Coulterville Holiday Light Display: Dec. 1 through Jan. 1, Coulterville City Park; also 400 Christmas figurines; 15 animated displays; Walkthrough display; www. coultervilleholidaylightdisplay. com. Christmas in the Village Celebration: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, downtown Cobden.
Theater Alice in Wonderland: 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov 17 and 7 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Nov. 18-19, John A. Logan College, Carterville. Hungarian Nights Family Dinner Theatre: Fundraiser to benefit the Dayemi Homeschool Collective, noon and 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, 218 N. Illinois Ave., Carbondale; includes authentic Hungarian meal accompanied by a performance based on Hungarian lifestyle, history and folklore; .students of the Dayemi Homeschool Collective will serve the meal and also perform; $20/$10; reservations required and seating limited; 618-203-1600. Dinner Theatre: 7 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Dec. 2-3 and 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, Rend Lake College Theatre, Ina; 618-437-5321. A Christmas Story: 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Dec 2-3 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, Marion Cultural and Civic Center; $12-$8; presented by the Paradise Alley Players; 618-997-4030 or www.marionccc.org. White Christmas: Presented by SIU Department of Theater, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, Dec. 7-10 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, McLeod Theater, Communications Building, SIU; $25/$10; www. southernticketsonline.com.
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THINGS TO DO
‘Dancing with Artstarts’ raises money for many local charities MARION — The FOX television series “Glee” has captivated audiences for three seasons, and now the spirit of the show is headed to Marion Cultural and Civic Center. Artstarts, a Southern Illinois-based fine arts program, will present “Dancing with Artstarts” at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19. The show will feature local personalities competing in dance numbers, and area children will provide entertainment between acts. Tickets for the show are $25. The show is a fundraiser for a number of local charities, including
ALAN ROGERS / THE SOUTHERN
Bailee Endebrock (center) and other cast members rehearse the musical Glee on Monday at Marion Cultural and Civic Center. The show is scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19.
the Williamson County Child Advocacy Center, Good Samaritan Ministries and Hospice of Southern Illinois, among others. Votes for winning acts will also be determined by donations.
culture’s lifestyle, history and folklore. Students are involved in all aspects of the event from planning to serving the meal and performing. Two seatings are available at noon and 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, at 218 N. Illinois Ave. The cost
always painted,” Maring said. “Since that first time I have had a fascination for the process. I love the buttery feel of oil paint on a good brush, and I love the smell of paint and turpentine.” Her paintings are rich with hues of blues, purples and greens and the spontaneous rolling shapes of Union County’s Shawnee Hills that inspire
For Kids’ Sake Art Auction: Silent Auction and Sale to support orphanages and schools in Bangladesh. Art on display through Dec. 9 in Carbondale; locations, Longbranch Coffeehouse, Arthur Agency, Global Gourmet, Hair Brains, Harbaugh’s Café, Thai Taste, Town Square Market, Tres Hombres, Dayemi Health Center, Holistic Wellness Institute and White & Borgognoni; over 200 pieces of art by local and Bangladeshi children as well as professional artists; closing receptions, 6-9 p.m. Dec. 9, around the Town Square; 618- 529-
Seating is reserved. Call 618-922-1853 for more information. Last year, the event raised more than $100,000, and organizers hope to see this year’s event top that goal.
is $20 per person and $10 for children younger than 14. Reservations are required and seating is limited. Tickets can be reserved by calling 618-203-1600. Proceeds from the event benefit the collective. — Adam Testa
her work. The exhibition is coordinated by anthill gallery & vintage curiosities and the Yellow Moon Café’s Luna Gallery, 110 N. Front St. Several other local artists are also exhibiting work. A reception for Maring is scheduled for 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, at the gallery. — Adam Testa
FESTIVALS
5044; forkidssake@ dayemi.net; www.forkids sake.net.
Call For Art Land Between The Lakes Photo Competition: Celebrating Nature through Photography; photographs must have been taken in or of the Land Between The Lakes; deadline, Dec. 1; www.friendsoflbl.org: www.lblphotocontest.org.
Exhibits Fall Exhibition 2011: The Gallery Space, 1008 Walnut St., Murphysboro, Law office of Joni Beth Bailey; includes works by Bod Angarola, Tom
THEATER Bell, Karen Linduska, Eric Johnson, Mary Pachikara and Fraenze Reichard; hours, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. MondayFriday; through Nov. 21; cruzat.luca@gmail.com Jay and Patricia Constatine: Painting, drawing and mixed media, Clemens Fine Art Center, campus of West Kentucky Community and Technical College, Paducah; through Nov. 25, www.artsin focus.org; 270-534-3212. Brenda Riley: Paintings in watercolor and acrylic, Harrisburg District Library; through Nov. 27; 618-2537455. SEE THE CLASSICS / PAGE 6
Belleville Antique Flea Market
— Adam Testa
Maring’s art reaches beyond music COBDEN — At age 7, Wil Maring broke into her dad’s oil paint set so she could paint a horse of a scrap of plywood. Now the popular singersongwriter is displaying her most recent oil paintings of Southern Illinois at the third annual “Off the Wall” Holiday Group Artist Exhibition in Cobden. “It seems like I have
COVER STORY
Art Events
Dayemi Collective hosts Hungarian Nights dinner CARBONDALE — Students from the Dayemi Homeschool Collective will host a Hungarian Nights Family Dinner Theatre event this weekend. The program includes an authentic Hungarian meal, accompanied by a performance based on the
BOOKS
Specializing in Christian Literature Mark J. Akin • Bookseller
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Huge Variety of Exhibitors Over 600 Tables Free Admission & Free Parking
Saturday & Sunday
November 19 & 20 9am-4pm
Antiques • Collectibles • New & Old Jewelry Old Tools • Hand Crafted Furniture Antique Furniture • Old Quilts & Lamps • Stamps Coins • Baseball Cards • Comics • Oriental Items Watches & Pocket Watches • Old Books Depression Glass • Military Memorabilia
Belle-Clair Exhibition Center at the Belle-Clair Fairgrounds Third Full Weekend of Every Month Rt 13, Belleville, IL • 618-233-0052 www.bcfairgrounds.net
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Carbondale, IL 618 • 457 • 5282 Regular Hours: Saturdays 10am-5pm
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FLIPSIDE Thursday, November 17, 2011 Page 5
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Shrode Photography Competition Exhibit: The Shrode Art Center Regenhardt The Classics: Little Egypt Art Centre, 601 Tower Square, Gallery, Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, Mount Vernon; Marion; through Nov. 30; hours, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Dec. 31; www. thru Saturday; 618-998-8530. cedarhurst.org. Transformation: Paintings Members’ Show: Featuring by Linda Hostalek, 9 a.m.Artist of the Month, Nancy 5 p.m. Monday-Friday and Loving, Yeiser Art Center, 9 a.m.-noon Saturdays, Paducah; fine art and crafts; Central Showcase, offices of through Dec. 17; 270-442Realty Central, Murdale 2453 or www.theyeiser.org. Shopping Center, Carbondale; Maturity and Its Muse: through Dec. 31. Cedarhurst Center for the Red Rock Landscapes: Arts, Mount Vernon; artists Tribeca Gallery, downtown over the age of 70; Mitchell Paducah; photographer Larry Museum Main Gallery; Heavrin; through Jan. 11; through Dec. 31; www. 270-898-6056 or heavrin@ cedarhurst.org. mchsi.com. The History of Jefferson Creative Visions: Features County: Highlights from the the work of ceramic artist Jefferson County Historical Greg Gibbs, woodworker Joe Society and Village, Mitchell Landon, sculptor Darren Museum’s Beal Grand Corridor Gallery, Cedarhurst, Miller, glass artist Michelle Rial, painter Nina Weiss and Mount Vernon; through Dec. jewelry artist Sandra 31; www.cedarhurst.org. Marching to Appomattox: Wilcoxon, The Southern Illinois Art and Artisans The Footrace that Ended the Center, Whittington; free; Civil War, The Beck Family through March 15; 618-629Center Gallery, Cedarhurst 2220. Center for the Arts, Mount The Legacy of Katherine Vernon; original paintings by Kuh: Building the University’s Ken Stark; through Dec. 31; Art Collection, University www.cedarhurst.org.
FROM PAGE 5
THINGS TO DO
Museum, SIU; Katherine Kuh, connoisseur; through May 11; www.museum.siu.edu or 618-453-5388. Ongoing art exhibit: Photographs of Juhree Veach, mosaics from Janet Altoff and sculpture from Tom Horn, StarView Vineyards, 5100 Wing Hill Road, Cobden; 618-893-9463 or www. starviewvineyards.com. Jo Loomis: Williamson County Pavilion, Marion; paintings of landscapes, seascapes, people, pets; 618-889-5330 or vanjol@ frontier.com.
Receptions Shin Cheolkyun: Lit Up with the Glow of Black Ink, University Museum, SIU; opening reception, 4-7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18; through Dec. 10; www.museum.siu.edu or 618-453-5388. Combined Faculty: University Museum, SIU; reception, 4-7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18; hours, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 1-4 p.m. Saturday; through Dec. 10; www.museum.siu.edu or 618-453-5388.
BOOKS
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Master of Fine Arts’ Candidates’ Preview Exhibit: University Museum, SIU; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 1-4 p.m. Saturday; free; reception, 4-7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18; through Dec. 10; www.museum.siu.edu or 618-453-5388. Dr. Leo Gadzepko and Jessica Edmond: Opening reception, 6-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18, Fern Fair Gallery, 8609 Giant City Road, Carbondale; 618-529-3376; www.fernfair.com. OFF THE WALL Holiday Group Artist Exhibition: The Yellow Moon Cafe and anthill gallery and vintage curiosities, Front Street, downtown Cobden; artist appreciation reception, 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, both locations; over 60 area artists; through Dec. 23; 618-457-7641; anthillgallery.com and yellowmooncafe.com. Fall Exhibition 2011: The Gallery Space, 1008 Walnut St., Murphysboro in the Law office of Joni Beth Bailey; reception, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19; through Nov. 21; cruzat.luca@ gmail.com
Discover Discover the Alternative!! Alternative
FESTIVALS
THEATER
Piano duo playing at Cedarhurst MOUNT VERNON — Husband and wife piano duo Elizabeth and Eugene Pridonoff will take the stage at Cedarhurst Center for the Arts on Saturday, Nov. 19. Compared to great husband-wife piano duos such as Josef andRosina Lhevinne and Vronsky and Babin, the Pridonoffs have performed and PROVIDED competed Elizabeth and Eugene Pridonoff will professionally perform Saturday at Cedarhurst. throughout the United States in venues and events such as programs and television shows. the San Luis Obispo Their concert at Mozart Festival and the Cedarhust, 2600 Richview Arcady Festival as well as Road, begins at 7:30 p.m. in many Asian and Tickets are $20 for adults, European countries. $18 for Cedarhurst In addition to members and $5 for performance credits, the students and music Pridonoffs have been teachers. featured in national — Adam Testa magazines, radio
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COME DOWNTOWN AND SHOP FOR THE HOLIDAYS! Page 6 Thursday, November 17, 2011 FLIPSIDE
DIRECTIONS & DIGITS
WEEK OF NOV. 17-NOV. 23
CRAVING KARAOKE? Karaoke and DJ lists are online at www.flipsideonline.com.
TONIGHT Coffeehouses, Cafés and Eateries Krista Detor: And Free Range Chicks, 8 p.m. Friday, Yellow Moon Café, 110 N. Front St., Cobden; www.yellowmooncafe.com; 618-893-2233. Howlin’ At The Moon: With hosts John Vitt and Ray Hogan, Saturday, Yellow Moon Café, 110 N. Front St., Cobden; www.yellowmooncafe.com; 618-893-2233. Magician David Ranalli: Comical sleight of hand, 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, The Blue Martin, 215 E. Main St., Carbondale; 618-549-4326; www.thebluemartin.com.
Wineries Movin Mary: 6-9 p.m. Friday, Rustle Hill Winery Holiday music: noon, Saturday, Lincoln Heritage Winery: massage; treats; holiday open house Andrea Stader: 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Blue Sky Vineyard Ray Martin: 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Rustle Hill Winery Larry Dillard: 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Von Jakob Orchard Swamp Tigers: 4-8 p.m. Saturday, The Bluffs
Michael Logen: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Rustle Hill Winery Holiday music: Open house continues Sunday, Lincoln Heritage Winery: massage; treats; jewelry Brad & Bri: 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Rustle Hill Winery Dan Barron: 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Blue Sky Vineyard Miranda Hagan: 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Honker Hill Winery Nyte Flyte: 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Von Jakob Orchard Concordia: 3-7 p.m. Sunday, The Bluffs
Alto Vineyards: Illinois 127, Alto Pass, www.AltoVineyards.net or 618-893-4898 Blue Sky Vineyard: 3150 S. Rocky Comfort Road, Makanda; 618-995-9463 or www.blueskyvineyard.com The Bluffs Vineyard and Winery: 140 Buttermilk Hill Road, Ava; 618-763-4447 or www.thebluffswinery.com. Honker Hill Winery: 4861 Spillway Road, Carbondale: 618-549-5517 Lincoln Heritage Winery: 772 Kaolin Road, Cobden; 618-833-3783 Rustle Hill Winery: US 51, Cobden; 618-893-2700 or www.rustlehillwinery.com StarView Vineyards: 5100 Wing Hill Road, Cobden; 618 893-9463 or starviewvineyards.com Von Jakob Orchard: 230 Illinois 127, Alto Pass; 618-893-4600 or www.vonjakobvineyard.com Walker’s Bluff: North on Reed Station Road, Carterville; 618-985-8463 or www.walkersbluff.com
BENTON Duncan Dance Barn:: Spring Pond Opry Band, 6:30-9:30 p.m. CARBONDALE Hangar 9: Skinny Jim and Lydia Loveless Tres Hombres: SIU Dub Club Thunderdome 2, 10 p.m. WHITE ASH Scarlett’s Music Barn: Country Music Band, 7-10 p.m.
SUNDAY CARBONDALE Key West: Blue Plate Specials, 8 p.m.-midnight MARION Marion Eagles: Steve Kessler & Wing It, 6-10 p.m. SHAWNEETOWN Stan’s Place: Roger Black and the Honky Tonk Stardust Cowboys, 7-11 p.m.
MONDAY MARION Marion Youth Center: Ragtag Band, 7-10 p.m.
TUESDAY MARION Hideout Restaurant: Bob Pina, piano 5:30-8:30 p.m. THOMPSONVILLE Lion’s Cave: Mike’s Band, 7-10 p.m. WEST FRANKFORT Colyer’s: Righteous Rebel Band, 7-11 p.m.
WANT TO BE LISTED? Call 618-351-5089 or email brenda.kirkpatrick@thesouthern.com.
FRIDAY CARBONDALE Hangar 9: Minnesota and Yitzkrieg Pinch Penny/Copper Dragon: Brushfire w/Chris Cavanaugh Tres Hombres: Soul Glo, 10 p.m. INA Ina Community Building: Friday Night Jam Band, 6:30-9:30 p.m. MARION Mack’s Lake of Egypt Marina: Kassie Miller
Ramesses: Mixed Company SPILLERTOWN Track Side Dance Barn: Country Ram Rods THOMPSONVILLE Old Country Store Dance Barn: Jeanita Spillman & The Sentimental Swing Band, 7-10 p.m. WHITTINGTON Corner Dance Hall: Dave Caputo Band, 7:30-10:30 p.m.
SATURDAY CARBONDALE Hangar 9: Split Lip Rayfield, Legendary Shack Shakers, Whistle Pigs Pinch Penny/Copper Dragon: Your Villain My Hero Tres Hombres: The Venturis, 10 p.m. MARION Hideout Restaurant: Bob Pina, piano 5:309:30 p.m. Kip & Traci’s Colonial Club: Kassie Miller. Marion American Legion: Wayback Machine, 8 p.m.midnight. Marion Eagles: Steve
Kessler & Wing It, 7-11 p.m. Ramesses: Mixed Company, 9 p.m.-1 a.m. SPILLERTOWN Track Side Dance Barn: Country Sounds; Thanksgiving dinner THOMPSONVILLE Lion’s Cave: Swing “N” Country Band, 7-9:30 p.m. Old Country Store Dance Barn: Lil’ Boot & Classic Country, 710 p.m. WHITTINGTON Corner Dance Hall: Mike’s Band, 7:3010:30 p.m.
20’s Hideout Restaurant: 2602 Wanda Drive, Marion 618-997-8325 Anna VFW: 70 VFW Lane, Anna 618833-5182 Carbondale Eagles: 1206 W. Linden, Carbondale 618-529-9345 Coloni’s Bar & Grill: 3 Park Plaza, Herrin 618-988-5341 Corner Dance Hall: 200 Franklin St., Whittington 618-303-5266 Coulterville VFW: 511 VFW St., Coulterville 618-758-9009 Diver Down: 199 E. Main St., Golconda 618-683-3483 Duncan Dance Barn: 13545 Spring Pond Road, Benton 618-435-6161 Enrico’s: 208 S. Main St., Royalton 618-984-2071 Hangar 9: 511 S. Illinois Ave., Carbondale; 618-549-0511. Hurley’s: 1504 W. Broadway Boulevard, Johnston City John Brown’s on the Square: 1000 Tower Square, Marion 618-997-2909 Key West: 1108 W. Main, Carbondale 618-351-5998 Kip & Traci’s Colonial Club: 1602 Old Creal Springs Road, Marion 618-9976989 Linemen’s Lounge: 100 E. Broadway, Johnston City Lion’s Cave: South Street, Thompsonville 618-218-4888 Mack’s Lake of Egypt Marina: 12024 Laguna Drive, Lake of Egypt 618Maddie’s Pub and Grub: 14960 Illinois 37, Johnston City 618-983-8107 Marion American Legion: Longstreet Road, Marion 618-997-6168 Marion Eagles: Rural Route 3, Marion 618-993-6300 Marion Elks: .204 S. Market St., Marion 618-993-3151 Marion Youth Center: 211 E. Boulevard St., Marion 618-922-7853 Mollie’s: 107 E. Union St., Marion 618997-3424 Murphysboro Elks Lodge: 1809 Shomaker Drive Murphysboro 618684-4541. Murphysboro Moose Lodge: 9663 Old Illinois 13; Murphysboro 618-6843232 Old Country Store Dance Barn: Main Street, Thompsonville 618-218-4676 Park Plaza Pub: 3 Park Plaza, Herrin, 618-988-1556 Perfect Shot Bar & Billiards: 3029 S. Park Ave., Herrin, 618-942-4655 Pinch Penny Pub/Copper Dragon: 700 E. Grand, Carbondale 618-549-3348 PK’s: 308 S. Illinois Ave., Carbondale 618-529-1124 Pyramid Acres Marina: 12171 Marina Road, Marion 618-964-1184 Scarlett’s Music Barn: 207 Potter St., White Ash 618-997-4979 Stan’s Place: Shawneetown 618-2693083 Steelhorse Saloon and Campground: 202 Dewmaine Lane, Carterville 618-985-6713 Trackside Dance Barn: 104 Rock St., Spillertown 618-993-3035 Tres Hombres: 119 N. Washington St., Carbondale 618-457-3308 WB Ranch Barn: 1586 Pershing Road, West Frankfort 618-937-3718 Wit and Wisdom Nutritional Site: 225 E. Poplar St., West Frankfort 618937-3070 Xrossroads: 101 Rushing Drive, Herrin 618-993-8393 Zeigler Eagles: 114 N. Main St., Zeigler 618-596-5651
FLIPSIDE Thursday, November 17, 2011 Page 7
MOVIES
MUSIC
WINERIES
A wild ride
THINGS TO DO
BOOKS
COVER STORY
Bottle Rockets bring unique style to Varsity Center for the Arts
BY ADAM TESTA THE SOUTHERN
alking to Brian Henneman, you’d never have any idea his band had a single that reached as high as No. 27 on the Billboard charts. Nearly 20 years into his musical career, the lead singer of St. Louis’ Bottle Rockets never let the fame go to his head. Of course, as he readily admits, it never really had time to do so. Shortly after the band released its second album, “The Brooklyn Side,” in 1994, the album was leased to and the boys signed to Atlantic Records, a powerhouse music company of the mid-1990s. The single “Radar Gun” climbed the charts and a fire seemed to be lit under the Bottle Rockets. Under The Atlantic Group, a subsidiary of Atlantic Records, the group began work on recording a new album, rumored to have cost the label upward of a quarter million dollars to produce. “That was the start of the quoteunquote big time. We had the bus, the TV appearances, blah, blah, blah,” Henneman said. “Money was flying all over the place. We weren’t getting much of it, but it was being spent.” Before the album saw the light of day, however, Atlantic shut down TAG, firing several employees and cutting many bands loose from their contracts in the process. But they weren’t quite ready to give up on the Bottle Rockets. Rather, the band was kept in limbo for several months until ultimately being moved under the main Atlantic banner. Henneman knew that could either be really good or really bad, and unfortunately, it came up the latter. At the time, Atlantic was heavily pushing two of its newer acts — a band called Hootie and the Blowfish and a young female singer named Jewel. The major push of those two acts meant the Bottle Rockets stayed stalled out in limbo. With the new album seemingly on the shelf and the band unable to
T
Page 8 Thursday, November 17, 2011 FLIPSIDE
PROVIDED
The Bottle Rockets will perform at 7 p.m. Nov. 26 on Varsity Center for the Arts.
proceed with other projects, the boys decided to take things into their own hands. Henneman said they organized a concert party in St. Louis to raise money to fly to New York and get themselves fired from Atlantic Records. “When they found out we were on the way, they dropped us,” he said. “One of the industry rumors that I have every reason to believe is that they spent $600 to promote that album — a quarter million to make it and $600 to promote it.” Free of their Atlantic shackles, the group continued on. Sure, there were several times they considered calling it quits, but they never gave into those desires. Through the years, the band has changed. Some members have filtered in and out, and management and label affiliations have shifted. But in the mid-2000s, the Bottle Rockets went back to their roots, rehiring their first manager and rediscovering the independent rock passion that fueled them from the get-go. Since then, the band has been climbing back up the musical ranks, still having fun. The group released a new acoustic album this summer, which represented another new venture for the band.
“After all that stuff, we went from nothing to the big time to a period of frustration to nothing again,” Henneman said. “We just never gave up. We stuck with it. We’ve been down to so little, anything you do is going to moving up.” Despite their popularity in native St. Louis for nearly 20 years, it was only within the last three or four Bottle Rockets ventured into Carbondale. They’re preparing to return at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26, when they will be playing at the Varsity Center for the Arts, 418 S. Illinois Ave. Tickets are $20 for $25 for the first two rows and can be purchased online at www.southernticketsonline.com or by calling 618-453-6000. While the group has been playing mostly their acoustic set on the road, Henneman said Southern Illinois might be in for a special treat come next Saturday. “Since we’ve played Carbondale so little, we might just go all out and do the full rock show,” he said. adam.testa@thesouthern.com 618-351-5031
MOVIES Concerts Southern Illinois Brian Downen: 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Sparta; accompanied at the piano by Diane Helfers Petrella who teaches at the University of MissouriKansas City; program includes classical masterpieces and hits from musicals plus signature arrangement of the hymn How Great Thou Art; donations accepted. The Pridonoff Duo: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, Performance Hall, Cedarhurst Center For the Arts, Mount Vernon; Elizabeth and Eugene Pridonoff serve as duo-inresidence and professors of piano at the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music; www.cedarhurst.org. The Bottle Rockets: And The Swamp Tigers, 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26, Varsity Center for the Arts, 418 S. Illinois Ave., Carbondale; $20/$25; www.southern ticketsonline.com.
Indiana Rockin’ Terry Lee and The Rockaboogie Band: 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19,
ART
MUSIC
WINERIES
THINGS TO DO
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COVER STORY
Kentucky
COMING ATTRACTIONS Nov 18 - Oak Ridge Boys - The Kentucky Opry and
WILLIE Radio present the Oaks at Carson Center call 270 450-4444
Nov 19 - Wade Benson Landry
Cajun Fiddler Show from Branson Missouri!
Nov 26 - Kentucky Opery Presents A Country Christmas
Dec 16 - Doug Gabriel Christmas Show From Branson
Dec 31 - Big New Year’s Eve
Several bands and several guests including Blend
www.kentuckyopry.com or call 888-459-8704 Open year ‘round
THEATER
Sparta native returns for special concert
Boot City Opry, 11800 S. Highway 41, Terre Haute; $11; www.bootcityopry.com or 812-299-8379. Twelve Days of Christmas: Vince Gill and Amy Grant, Friday, Dec. 16, The Aiken Theatre at The Centre, 715 Locust St., Evansville; $44.50-$79.50; www.ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000 or www.smgevansville.com.
Trout Fishing in America: 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, Carson Center, Paducah; $18; 270-4504444 or www.TheCarsonCenter.org. Oak Ridge Boys: The Boys are Back for Christmas, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18, Luther F. Carson Four Rivers Center, Paducah; $24-$124; 270450-4444 or www.the carsoncenter.org Wade Benson Landry: Cajun fiddler and wife, Teresa, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, Kentucky Opry, 88 Chilton Lane, Benton, Ky.; $21-$7.50; 270-527-3869; www.kentuckyopry.com. Mannheim Steamroller: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 22, The Carson Center, Paducah; Christmas music; $29-$74; 270-450-4444 or www.thecarsoncenter.org.
FESTIVALS
PROVIDED
Michael Logen will perform at 6 p.m. Saturday in Cobden.
Michael Logen returning to Rustle Hill COBDEN — International touring pop/folk artist Michael Logen returns to Rustle Hill Winery at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19. Logen has shared the stage with singers like John Legend, India.Arie and Sister Hazel, and he has a song — “Breakin’ Your Own Heart” — on Kelly Clarkson’s new album, “Stronger.” He recently returned from a UK tour including shows in Belfast, London and Dublin and an appearance live on the BBC. Growing up in a Mennonite family in
Pennsylvania, Logen began playing piano at age 6, guitar at 8 and writing and performing at 13. After high school and some touring, he moved to Nashville, where he attended college and pursued his dream of being a musician. In 2005, he backpacked through Europe, where he wrote most of the songs for his debut album, “Things I Failed to Mention,” which was released in June 2007. Songs from that release were featured on MTV’s “Real World” and ABC Family’s “Kyle XY.”
SPARTA — Native Brian Downen returns home for a special benefit concert Friday night at the Westminster Presbyterian Church. Downen will be accompanied at the piano by Diane Helfers Petrella of the University of Missouri-Kansas City, and the duo will present a multi-faceted program of classical masterpieces and hits from the musicals “The Secret Garden,” “The Last Five Years” and “Ragtime.” The concert begins at
7 p.m. Admission to the event is free, and donations will be collected to support the Albert R. Hapke Summer Music Camp Scholarship fund, which has enabled several area students to attend summer music camps through the past decade. Downen, the son of the late Richard and Sue Downen, currently lives in New York and travels extensively appearing with opera companies and orchestras nationwide and abroad. — Adam Testa
Enjoy a cold one ! y t t a P t a F r with you
—Adam Testa
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FLIPSIDE Thursday, November 17, 2011 Page 9
MOVIES
ART
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COVER STORY
FESTIVALS
THEATER
Songwriter with local roots kicking off career prestigious Belmont University in Nashville, is COUNTRY experiencing the growing SCENE pains all writers must Vince Hoffard endure and conquer as they battle for recognition among their peers and from established talent in Music City. “In the last year, I’ve arlan Howard, Bobby progressed a long way in Braddock and Bob the right direction,” he McDill rank among the greatest songwriters in said. “I put together a demo of 10 original songs. country music history. I write up-tempo, rocking Their lyrical creations stuff. I have all these lyrics form the foundation on in my head. I’m figuring which the musical genre out the formula used to has been constructed. put together a song other However, they didn’t people want to hear. I feel start inking masterpieces a couple of these songs right out of the chute. It have potential.” took years to develop the The 25-year-old Mathis craft. has accumulated a wealth Vienna native Jared Mathis, a 2008 graduate of of music world knowledge
H
Page 10 Thursday, November 17, 2011 FLIPSIDE
in the past three years. Thanks to a Belmont internship, immediately after college he went to work for Sony/ATV Music Publishing, but he quickly realized figuring royalty payments for songwriters all day long was a boring job with little opportunity for advancement, despite the financial security of the occupation. In 2009, Mathis switched career directions when he joined the touring band of Ryan Pelton & the Difference, regarded as “the best Elvis impersonator in the world.” Pelton plays over 200 shows a year. He takes his band out three months at a time, takes a three-week
break and heads out again. He is touring the Northwest for a couple weeks before heading into Canada. “I play all the horn, string, piano and organ parts,” the 2004 Vienna High School graduate said. “It’s a tough job. I try to identify the signature parts of each song and make sure I nail them. I do what I can with two hands and two feet. I can handle most of the songs with no problem, but ‘American Trilogy’ and ‘If I Can Dream’ are very difficult.” Mathis is a talented pianist. He took his first lesson when he was 6, and by 16, he had learned to play by ear. He was attracted to the innovative boogie-woogie sound of The Tractors. He entered Belmont as a commercial piano (jazz) major, but after one year, he realized the narrow list of potential job opportunities and he switched to a music business major. “Playing out on the road for the past two years has been a wonderful experience,” Mathis said. “We’ve met a lot of great people and I’ve developed a close working relationship with Ryan. We have been co-writing a lot of songs. I help him arrange the music and chord structure for his songs.” In the first four months of 2012, Pelton is taking time off the road to film a movie about Elvis in Nashville. He is using this period to branch out musically and has just released “Wash Over Me,” a CD of original material. Mathis plans to promote his own songwriting career during the fourmonth hiatus. “It’s a dream of mine to
PROVIDED
Jared Mathis is a Vienna native.
get my stuff out there so people can hear it,” he said. “I have no ambition to be a big star. I don’t think I have the voice to be a commercially successful artist, but I can sing well enough to get the idea across. I just want to be part of the process.” Mathis said he has an advantage over other aspiring songwriting newcomers because of his musical background and technological skills. He has the ability to play any instrument, record, produce and mix a demo. He backs up the claim with his 10-song demo, which includes opening track “Story to Tell,” a catchy beach tune that would fit Kenny Chesney or Luke Bryan, and the piano-driven “Hammerdown,” something that could interest Phil Vassar. Mathis shows off his piano chops on instrumentals “Ultrasex”
and “Pecan Pancakes,” named after his favorite dish at The Pancake Pantry, a legendary eatery just off the Vanderbilt campus in Nashville. “I plan on knocking on a lot of doors early next year,” he said. “I want to make as many contacts as possible and try to work with people that will help me improve my writing skills. This is a work in progress and I’m always looking at ways to get better.” Mathis took a step in the right direction Oct. 15, when he married longtime girlfriend Jessica, an Ohio native. She urged him to pursue songwriting as a vocation, which would keep him home at night, instead of out on the road months at a time as a member of a road band. VINCE HOFFARD can be reached at 618-658-9095 or vincehoffard@yahoo.com.
MOVIES
ART
MUSIC
WINERIES
THINGS TO DO
BOOKS
COVER STORY
FESTIVALS
THEATER
Beginning of the end of ‘The Twilight Saga’ sets the stage for the action to come The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 **1/2 Rated PG-13 for action and adult scenes; starring Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Ashley Greene, Nikki Reed, Jackson Rathbone, Peter Facinelli and Elizabeth Reaser; directed by Bill Condon; opening Friday at ShowPlace 8 and University Place 8 in Carbondale and AMC Centre 8 in Marion BY RICK BENTLEY MCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE NEWS
The decision to split “Breaking Dawn,” Stephenie Meyer’s last book in the “Twilight” series, into two parts has created a pair of films as different as Edward and Jacob. The first half, “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn — Part 1” is packed with as many emotional and contemplative moments as the brooding vampire, while the second half will have the kind of action that makes a werewolf howl. It’s a similar structure to the two halves of the final “Harry Potter” adaptation: The first “Deathly Hallows” film concentrated more the personal connections of the main characters and saved all the action for the second movie. The division would have been OK if director Bill Condon hadn’t stretched scenes to the point of tedium and cranked up the volume of the soundtrack to annoying levels. “Breaking Dawn — Part 1” deals with the wedding of Bella (Kristen Stewart)
and Edward (Robert Pattinson), their energetic honeymoon and her immediate pregnancy. The wedding is beautifully staged, but it begins to lose its power because Condon extends the sequence with a series of wedding toasts that are too light and silly for such an emotional moment. And the honeymoon sequence seems to run longer than a Kim Kardashian marriage. Who knew vampires liked to play chess so much on their honeymoons? Condon has turned up the soundtrack so loud that half of the film plays more like a music video than a feature. Instead of the music helping set the mood, it slams into scenes with such unabashed fury that it becomes distracting. That might work in the second film, but with this half so wrapped up in emotional
moments it seems a lighter volume would have worked much better. The film features such a large cast that only Taylor Lautner and Stewart get a lot of opportunities to show their acting skills. Lautner has certainly grown as an actor since the first movie, and he gets the most out of the big moments. “Breaking Dawn” does give Stewart her first real opportunity to act. In the past films she wasn’t pushed past being the passive, dour object of everyone’s affections. She gets to grow up here and play the nervousness of a teen on her wedding night and a caring, expectant mother. This review is not for loyal “Twilight” fans who will camp outside theaters to be the first to see the latest movie in the series. The sight of Bella walking down the aisle will be
STUDIO
Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart star in ‘The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part I.’
enough to make them swoon. But for any oblivious people who stumble into the film without having seen the others, the biggest problem is that it’s one long setup for “Part 2.” It’s
like getting married and a year for your wedding being told you have to wait night.
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FLIPSIDE Thursday, November 17, 2011 Page 11
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‘Happy Feet Two’ loses some of its charm but still manages to entertain Happy Feet Two **
The concept — that penguins each have their Rated PG for some rude own special song which humor and mild peril; they use to woo members starring the voices of of the opposite sex, save Elijah Wood, Robin for one penguin (voiced by Williams, Alecia “Pink” Elijah Wood) who can’t sing a lick, but who can Moore and Hank Azaria; directed by George Miller; dance — is pretty much abandoned for a muddled opening Friday at sequel about trapped University Place 8 in penguins and interCarbondale and AMC species cooperation, all in Centre 8 in Marion the name of “adapt or die.” Yeah, global warming is BY ROGER MOORE still a subtext (overMCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE NEWS fishing no longer is). But now responsibility passes “Happy Feet Two” is to to the critters if they want 2006’s “Happy Feet” what to survive. “Babe: Pig in the City” The songs are weaker — was to “Babe,” a clever and classic rock exchanged for adorable original film generic pop, firstremade with most of the generation hip hop charm wrung out of it. (“Momma Said Knock You
Out” freely adapted) and moldy oldies (“Papa Oom Mow Mow”). The laughs are fewer, most of those coming from the randy Adelie penguin, Ramon, voiced with a broad Latin accent by Robin Williams. It plays like a cynical attempt to cash in by throwing a lot of halfbaked ideas and far more characters at an elite animation team and expecting them to produce “Toy Story 2.” They didn’t. Mumble (Elijah Wood) and Gloria (now voiced by Alecia “Pink” Moore instead of the late Brittany Murphy) are parents, but their little Erik (Ava Acres) doesn’t seem to be a chip off anybody’s old ice
block. He can’t dance, can’t sing. So he scampers off with his pals and falls in with the Adelie penguins in Adelieland. They’re led by “the first penguin to learn to fly.” Sven (Hank Azaria, slinging a broad Norwegian accent) is a self-help guru and a fraud. He can fly, all right. He’s a Puffin passing himself off as a penguin. “If you want it, you must will it. If you will it, it will be yours,” he preaches. It’s prosperity gospel meets Tony Robbins. Of course penguins can learn to fly. That “adapt or die” mantra has been taken up by Will the Krill, voiced by Brad Pitt in a funny but
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almost utterly unrelated story. Will and his longtime companion Bill (Matt Damon) make scores of Krill and Will rhymes and puns — “I’m one in a krillian.” “Good-bye, krill world!” Will has lost the will to swarm and be whale food, which is what krill do. “I’m moving up the food chain,” he declares. “I’m gonna chew on something with a face!” Up on the ice, the Emperor Penguins are land-locked by an iceberg, and Mumble must figure out a way to free them while Erik is expects his puffin false-prophet to save the day. The opening 20 minutes are a mad, random jumble
of characters, situations, voices and song. The only thread that emerges from this confusion (which extends to the sound mix) is that Mumble is making the same mistakes his dad made in encouraging his son. Humans show up (and look rotoscoped, or animated over live-action images) and may help. Or not. Real children’s voices are used for the many penguin chicks (and elephant seal pups) who appear, which is cute. The animation and color palette (Antarctica has patches of green, as the ice is melting) are a pretty big leap forward from “Happy Feet’s” images, though the penguin faces are as inexpressive as ever.